CITY LIVING
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEW
1. How does this collection speak to you? How did it come about? What did you want this to say to your audience?
We really wanted to use different textures to contrast or blend in in the environment. By using fur, stripes and for example dots it really works with the New York skyline that you see in the background. And that’s what we wanted to create.
2. What do you find to be the most difficult when bringing a team of artists together to create a cohesive look? How do you pick the right team?
For me it was really a challenge to find a team. As a photographer from Amsterdam to shoot in New York and find a team was pretty difficult. But finally it all worked out, we also became friends and I still see them and work together with them when I am in New York. I don’t really think it is difficult to work together, you all want to create a nice picture and when you have a good team everyone will see if a look works or not, when it is not working you simply keep on going till it does work
3. As an editorial artist, what do you feel is one of the biggest mistakes beginners tend to make?
The biggest mistake is to want too much. I think everybody has that in the beginning, myself including. I was so insecure about my pictures that I thought if I would use a lot of make up, big hair, crazy clothes and an insane location my picture would be great by itself. But at the end you realize that less is more. When I see my pictures from a few years ago it was one big mess in one picture. Now I know that you better can leave something out then to ad something.
4. How would you describe your artistic style?
I always shoot on locations, most of the time a bit in an urban environment. Since I grew up in small towns all my life, I always was attracted to the city. Moving to Amsterdam was my first step and then I went to New York. I fell in love with cities, the buildings, the roads. But in my pictures you always will recognize a model that is a bit lost in the city. So am I, I always wanted to be in the city, but when I am there I will always be the towngirl. I think I reflect that on my models.
5. Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?
Behind, for sure! I had to be in front of it a few times when I was in school on the Photoacademy in Amsterdam, but I feel so uncomfortable! It is funny, because I know what the best way is to pose, but when it comes to myself it always looks awful.
6. What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?
My greatest weakness is probably insecurity, I get carried away by other people’s personality and I try to mimic them because I don’t know how to behave myself. That is a big weakness in fashion, cause everybody is so extravagant. I really have to say to myself: don’t let yourself get carried away, you are still from this small town, don’t get such an attitude!
My greatest strength is definitely that when I want something I really go for it, no matter what. That is also why I get a lot of people working for me, because I am so enthusiastic about a project that they get motivated to work with me.
7. What misconceptions do you think outsiders have about fashion and beauty editorials?
That fashion is just about clothes. It is so much more than that! It is creating an image with a whole team. Also fashion is so much more then only clothes, the clothes are just an output. It has so much more influence in so many other ways.
8. What is your secret to keeping a happy balanced life while following your passion?
What I said before, really stay on your own two feet, even though I know how hard it can be. Don’t go with the crowd but stay close to yourself.
9. Music feeds the soul and often motivates. What music are you playing while you are shooting?
Oh that really depends on the mood of the shoot! But because I work on location most of the time we have the sounds of the environment and that always works to get in the right mood.
10. Words to live by?
Say yes to every opportunity you get! It will open a lot for you
FEATURED ARTISTS
Petra Vaessen
Ronald Smits
Kira Kroegman
Joey George
Jen Moore
Aline Thiel @ Muse
